According to investigators, 65-year-old David Bruce Bowman, from Athens, Ohio, was swimming with his wife Friday near the 4600 block of the beach strand in Emerald Isle. When his wife went to sit on the beach, Bowman continued swimming.

But at about 12:49 p.m., witnesses reported seeing Bowman floating in the water just off shore, police said. The victim was pulled out by his wife and other bystanders, and CPR was performed. EMS workers then took Bowman to Carteret General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to investigators.

Police said they were not sure whether medical conditions played a role in the drowning. They said the investigation will not be completed until the medical examiner's report is released.